Thrashers

By UpperDeck4Life

October 8, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Mike, who did Little skate with today. Does it look like he will play on a scoring line or a checking line if he plays friday? I wouldn’t mind seeing him between Kovy and Williams instead of White.

By Toby

October 8, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I wonder if this knocks Slater back to wing? Little to center fourth?

By Sara

October 8, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

That’s good news about Little but what does coach intend to do with him - put him on the third line with Perrin and Reasoner?

I’m not impressed with the moving of White up to the top line for several reasons. It didn’t work last year so what makes Anderson think something will change this year? If he thinks Christensen isn’t working there or he is better utilized elsewhere (his comments indicate the latter is the issue), then why not try Little or Perrin or even Slater up there? Anything other than the one thing that hasn’t worked. I’m also not sure why this assessment got made after only 2-3 games. It smacks of hitting a panic button before the season has even started, not the attitude I was hoping to see from the bench or in the lockerroom.

BTW, going back to Pavelec, Mike the article you wrote left me with the impression the whole issue is still up in the air. Craig Custance had written something earlier today that implied the situation was settled and Pavs would be reporting to the Wolves within a few days. So I guess my question is, where does this stand?

By Alan

October 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Good news about Little! It’s disappointing to hear that Hoffman won’t be able to play until mid or late October, though.

The move to place White on the top line bothers me, too. He just wasn’t a solid center last year, but perhaps there are some things we’re just not looking at. Kovalchuk might be more comfortable with White, or perhaps Anderson wants to give White an opportunity to put what he’s said into action, and score more goals.

Having said that, I still would rather see Little or Christensen on the top line, at least to start with.

By Nikita

October 8, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

In defense of White…a. Kovy likes him, b. he has good two-way skills, c. what didn’t work in the past was Kovy + White surrounded by a comparatively non-physical line. In an environment where Kovy + White can be less physical they will both do better.

Hmmm. I don’t really have an opinion on the center business, since I think we have plenty of competent high-2 options. Except that White needs to stay off the 4th.

By Bob

October 8, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

I’m also not sure why this assessment got made after only 2-3 games. It smacks of hitting a panic button before the season has even started

Like I told you this past summer, I read that Coach said the first thing he did after getting hired was call up Todd White and told him that he was counting on him for 30 goals. Coach has had White penciled in as our 1st line center from the day he was hired, this isn’t any panic assessment, it’s been his plan all along.

Now I know what you and others told me before “Don said in the meeting that Christensen was our 1st line center”. I think I’ve counseled you enough not to listen to what comes out of Waddell’s mouth, but continue to do that at your own peril. But this is no panic decision, it’s been his plan since Day 1 on the job.

By Sara

October 8, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Nikita I don’t see where the physical aspect has changed from season to season. Williams isn’t physical, and there are certainly going to be times when the Havelid-Enstrom pairing will be out with that line, neither of whom are physical. So what are you seeing that makes you feel it is different?

By NASCAR Dave

October 8, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Now I know what you and others told me before “Don said in the meeting that Christensen was our 1st line center”. I think I’ve counseled you enough not to listen to what comes out of Waddell’s mouth, but continue to do that at your own peril. But this is no panic decision, it’s been his plan since Day 1 on the job.

Yeah, I remember… Good call BOB!!! You pegged that one! You are correct… People need to stop listening to what DONNIE says… Heck, even me! — I believed DONNIE about VALABIK… LOL

Also, FILATOV to the AHL… Columbus just has no clue, do they? LOL

By Smoothie

October 8, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

I agree with Sara in this respect. I would rather see either Thorburn or Armstrong (or even Perrin) play RW with Kovy & White to add that physical element they need to win battles in the corners and behind the net. I have not seen Williams play much, but from most accounts he seems like a drifter / opportunist type player who swoops into the play when there’s a chance to score (a la Danny “the Diver” Briere). I’m not so sure Kovy — White — Williams will last long. If Sterling really has improved and JA is convinced he’s the real deal, then I’d like to see these lines:

Kovy — Williams — Thorburn

Sterling — EC — Kozlov

Perrin — Reasoner — Army

Boulton — White — Slater / Hoffman

I am not inclined to believe White will rise to the challenge. I don’t see how anything will be any different. Yes, he may have more familiarity with Kovy from playing with him last year, but Kovy doesn’t need a set up man (well, anyone can benefit from a Mark Savard type) necessarily, he needs a physical power forward on the other side to do the dirty work (I would have loved to see what Kovy and Walt could have done over a full year). Anyway, I’m not sold on Charmin, but I hope he proves me wrong.

By NASCAR Dave

October 8, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Hey, did everybody see GAVAHOKIES trade proposal on the Thrashers Website??? He wanted to send LITTLE and WHITE to Philly for JEFF CARTER…LOL… Man, HOKIE just won’t give it up with CARTER… LOL

So HOKIE, what Sloppy Seconds did your hero DONNIE pick up today from those Cap Troubled teams??? LOL

By GaVaHokie

October 8, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

My impersonation of Nascar… “Yeah, what he said.”

Bulldogs lose, the market is down… life’s hard lately, huh?

By Nikita

October 8, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

So what are you seeing that makes you feel it is different?

I don’t necessarily feel it’s any different, but a) I don’t want to make it about White’s failure when White is still playing with the correct skill and b) I don’t assume that Williams is any more set than White.

My preferred lines:

Kovy — Crush — Thorburn

Kozlov - Williams - Slater

Perrin — Little — Army

Boulton — Reasoner — Stuart

White would back up the top-3 centers and play on special teams.

Incidentally, Fire on Ice is not happy with the new team mug shots. Fro Boy looks seriously mentally challenged, and even the usual scrumdillyicious Johan Hedberg looks like a chump.

By Tony C.

October 8, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Sara, I have to agree: Physical Williams ain’t!

I wouldn’t mind seeing something like

SlavaMatic/Reasoner/Williams

Perrin/Crusher or Little/Armstrong

Bolts/Slater/Hoffman

By No

October 8, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Why anyone would want Thorburn on the top line instead of Armstrong is beyond me.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 8, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Hokie — Right on. The only edit I’d make is “YEAH, what HE said!! LMAO”

Smoothie — So what happens to Little in your lines?

Okay, I guess it’s officially time to put together our lines, and you all have gotten to it rightfully so.

Mine:

Kovalchuk - Little - Williams

Sterling - Christensen - Armstrong

Kozlov - White - Perrin

Boulton - Slater - Thorburn

Boulton and Hoffman swap roles, or even sub in for any banged up center (we have a ton of centers) and the lines get adjusted.

Christensen and Armstrong paired well with one impish pest (Perrin), so they can do it with a more skilled/scoring pest (Sterling) and possibly have similar chemistry.

I know the third line is softish/smallish, but I can deal with that. Perrin will bang, White is fine defensively, and Kozlov will give anyone a bump if he so desires.

Defensively:

Enstrom - Havelid

Schneider - Bogosian

Exelby - Hainsey

Oystrick and Bogosian will be swapping roles for the first few games, to see who fits best at this level. I think the bench warmer will be by committee, between anyone who’s had an off game or is banged up.

In goal is Lehtonen for 5 games straight, and/or the front side of back-to-backs.

By Nikita

October 8, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Why anyone would want Thorburn on the top line instead of Armstrong is beyond me.

He works better with Kovy, is larger, and fills more of an enforcement role.

Also, I don’t see any difference between 2 and 3, hierarchywise. the 4th is different, the 1st is different, but 2 and 3 are equal.

By Smoothie

October 8, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

ranallo — I honestly just forgot about him. Probably because he was out with an injury I had it in my mind that he wasn’t going to play. I like Little more than White, but in Charmin’s defense, Todd has managed to find the back of the net a little more frequently. Preferably, I’d like to see White & Little both play, but perhaps Little will get his chance on the top line after White gets 5-10 games with Kovy first. We shall see.

By TRON

October 8, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

PAVELEC IS JUST MAD……BECAUSE THE ORGANIZATION DOESN’T CODDLE HIM………LIKE THEY DO FOR THE GLASS GROINED CRYBABY LETEMIN……..YOU SAY PAVELEC PLAYED BAD WHEN THEY BROUGHT HIM IN…..??…..WELL WHY DID THEY EVEN BRING HIM IN……..??…..DUH…….BECAUSE LETEMIN WAS “LETTING IN” TOO MANY SOFTIES…………ROFLMAO……..ROFLMAO……ROFLMAO……….

By kracker

October 8, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Sara …and there are certainly going to be times when the Havelid-Enstrom pairing will be out with that line, neither of whom are physical.

I don’t think it’s a lock that Havelid and Enstrom will pair. Lack of physicality is a reason not to pair them. Perhaps:

Enstrom - Hainsey

Schneider - Bogosian

Exelby - Havelid

The pairings can be tweaked same as the lines. Then do what works best for special teams.

By Tony C.

October 8, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Why anyone would want Thorburn on the top line instead of Armstrong is beyond me.

Have you seen Armstrong drop ‘em?

Thorbz may not be the best guy in any one particular skill-set he does provide a solid physical presence-and believe you me Todd White doesn’t. I am also a firm believer that if whoever plays on #17’s opposite wing would go to the net, then you’d see a lot more scoring from somebody not named Kovalchuk.

Armstrong does seem smart enough to do this, but he also doesn’t seem to bring a lot of lumber with him.

I have to agree with my boy NickTheDwagsFan

Somebody needs to be lightin’ their @ss up!

Thorburn seems to be a “light ‘em up” kind of guy.

By kracker

October 8, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

I liked Thors when he was up late last season…he was there w/ Holik, tho, another big guy. Anyway, JA has the film on that line and he has had Thorburg 1st RW at least once in preseasson, I think. Probably in practice sessions as well.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 8, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

I noticed I left out Reasoner, doh. His presence totally muddies these line combos. So, Sterling sits, Kozlov moves up, White to the left, Reasoner centers White and Perrin.

kracker — I’d be supportive of those lines exactly as they are, but only if it means Havelid and Enstrom aren’t working as well as they did last season.

Where would you slot in Oystrick? How about Valabik if he’s called up?

Smoothie — White did score with more frequency (had a few game winners), but I think that was due to opportune pairings and consistent playing time, more so than a disparity in skill. I’m a firm believer that Little, if given consistent playing time and linemates, will be a fine #2 center for this team in the future. Since we don’t have a #1, I’d let him and Christensen play there to see who better gels with Kovalchuk.

I want to see the following players have a try in the NHL sometime this season:

Machacek, Holzapfel, Kulda, and maybe Crabb/Lavallee/Stuart (they all fill the same role though).

I don’t need to see extended game time for them, as this is just a “get your feet wet” type of call up…but I’d like to see what sort of chip we’ve got with each of these players, for more than just 4 games at the end of the season. Stuart got an extended look and is a fine 3rd liner in my opinion.

Tron —

By Nikita

October 8, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

I’d also love to see Machacek up. IMO, he’s phenomenal for his age. Holzapfel underwhelms me.

Dawgs, if you’re in Athens, TJ Maxx has very nice IceDogs sweaters for $12.99. Not sure if any others have them, but it’s worth checking.

I continue to be concerned about enforcement, but I’m most concerned about it on Kovy’s line/other than on the 4th. Armstrong will hit, but he doesn’t fight much, and he doesn’t weigh much. So I’d rather have a heavier, scrappier, enforcement-minded player. Another issue is that Armstrong plays GREAT with Perrin and Perrin is unlikely to be on top. I’d like to preserve that chemistry on the 2nd or 3rd.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 8, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Nikita — I saw the chemistry between Armstrong and Christensen being the reason the line clicked. Perrin is a shifty “veteran” with enough knowledge of where to be, so he was a good addition to the two former Penguins.

That was my take, and why I keep Christensen and Armstrong together still in my personal line arrangement.

Re: Holzapfel and Machacek, I’m not looking to be wowed by either player. I just want them to get a taste of the NHL this season, not farther down the line. Give them a call up mid-season, to get a feel for the game. Let them play 9-10 games, then send them back to Chicago. I’d be happy that way.

By kracker

October 8, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Ranallo Sure, I agree on that but I am considering the total game as well. A given pair may play well together but splitting them could gain more if it raises the combined effectiveness of two pairs. You don’t know until you try it on the ice. In this case, we seem to like Schneider-Bodosian as #2 pairing so that probably means trying Havelid on 3rd pair. We have a good defensive coach in Nelson, he and JA worked together at Chicago…I certainly am happy to let them work it and see how it goes. (duh)

Oystrick gets occasional time for Bogosian & Exelby and as needed for injuries.

As for the young guys in Chicago getting a look, if the Thrash contend for a spot then those guys just have to wait for emergenct support duty. If we sell at the TD, heck yeah, bring them up and see how they have progressed.

By kracker

October 8, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Oh, the same goes for Boris. He should get mentored by Schneider as well if he can be worked into the mix. I’m sure he wants to get back up.

By Jason

October 8, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Wow………Those third jerseys look absolutely revolting. At best they can be described as horrible. In the english dictionary, Horrible(Thrasher’s third jersey)-causing or tending to cause horror; shockingly dreadful: a horrible sight. Now I know what to wear for Halloween.

Hopefully the team won’t play to the same level.

By Nikita

October 8, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Huh. Those things are pretty heinous. And I’m shocked by the A choices.

On the other hand, Kozlov looks unusually good in those jerseys.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 8, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Jason — Nauseating might be a good word too, depending on the aspect of the uniform you’re looking at.

By Jason

October 8, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

It just boggles my mind when outside agencies are hired for probably hundreds of thousands of dollars(or more) to create a unique and stylish marketing item, such as our third jersey; and this is what they come up with!?!? :( The ASG could have paid me in two season tix, and I would have gotten some of my local graphic artist buddies who design awesome video games to come up with some fantastic alternatives.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 8, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Jason — Would any of your video game designer friends like a not-for-profit challenge?

By Jason

October 9, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

ranallo10(in AT)-LOL-Sounds like fun to me, but first i’ll need to make sure they all like hockey enough to take the challenge. I’ll have to get back to you on that one.

By Sara

October 9, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

I’m lukewarm on the thirds. The good - they are not baby/powder blue. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again…real hockey playing men do not belong in baby blue - it’s a wussy color. They might as well go out there in pink. I like the maroon and I like the idea they had of being simplistic with the design and using the maroon/white color contrast I just don’t think they quite got there. It kind of reminds me of a JV football jersey where the white makes it appear short-sleeved and the shoulder emblems exaggerate the padding. Plus team name/number. I still like the original away jerseys the best.

I’m also really sick of all the changes to the jerseys. Since this team started in 1999 the NHL overall has now made three major changes with the jerseys - swapped the home and road, changed to the RBK style, and now added new thirds for everyone. Add that to the Thrash switching out the thirds for the home jerseys, and that’s 4 changes in less than 10 years. It’s a ridiculous money-making gimmick overall. I didn’t like the home/road swap - while I get wanting to add “color” to home arenas, I personally found it more interesting to see all the various road jerseys from the other teams.

I like the alternate captain choices. Three solid veterans who are established team and/or league leaders, Kovy who was a duh, and Armstrong. I like giving him more of an identity with this franchise that he will hopefully be a part of for a while.

By TableHockey

October 9, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

I don’t love the new 3rd jersey - in particular I don’t like the numbers on the front. A nice spin on the logo on the front would have been much better.

So is our new marketing theme “Believe in Burgundyland”?

By georage

October 9, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

I would like to see Slater get some first line time. He is probably our best faceoff guy.

But until then, and once Little is healthy, this organization owes it to Kovalchuk to try and get someone on his line that can feed him the damn puck. Even if it means trading every prospect we have. Otherwise, #17 is leaving and I don’t blame him.

Kovalchuk-Little-Williams Sterling-Christiansen-Kozlov Perrin-Slater-Armstrong Boulton-White-Thorburg

I would swap Williams and Thorburg every few shifts to keep people honest. And I would also shift Williams to center every so often and let Thorburg or play on the top line.

By Toby

October 9, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Agreed on the thirds…ooogly.

Is Thorburg the jewish brother of Thorburn? Happy Yom Kippur!!

Well…One more day till it’s all for real…SWEET

By Nikita

October 9, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

*It kind of reminds me of a JV football jersey where the white makes it appear short-sleeved and the shoulder emblems exaggerate the padding. *

Yeah. Those jerseys make everyone look HUGE and chunky. Colby Armstrong in particular looks like Hellboy with the outsized arms on a relatively slim torso. But seriously, they’re the only known color in the spectrum that doesn’t make Kozlov look like the undead.

And yes, happy Yom Kippur! Psyched about cheering for the Hebrew Hammer on Friday!

Whoever said Ex should’ve gotten the A — um, no. Ex should’ve gotten traded.

By Smoothie

October 9, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, but those alternates are an unmitigated disaster!! They are absolutely heinous and opposing fans will have yet another reason to laugh at us.

As for defensive pairings, it is my humble opinion we will see Enstrom paired with Hainsey on the “top pair” while Schneids skates with Bogey on the 2nd pair. Now it may defy logic that Havelid will play on the 3rd pairing as an Alternate Captain, but I would counter that by saying the minutes will be fairly evenly distributed save for special teams. Havelid will play more on the PK than Ex and probably will work with Toby from time to time in those situations.

As for the minutes distribution on the PP, let’s hope we have lots of minutes to go around, but I sure hope we get to see lots of Enstrom (right point) and Schneider (left point) together along with Kovy (below the circle on the left), Kozzy (right wall half-boards) and perhaps Colby Armstrong working down low running interference in front of the net. We’ll prolly see a heavy dose of Todd White and I think that will prove to be a mistake as a largely “finesse” PP is destined to fail in my eyes.

By Alan

October 9, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

So is our new marketing theme “Believe in Burgundyland”?

Only if Ron Burgundy is our mascot.

By Mike Knobler

October 9, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Sorry I didn’t list the lines from yesterday’s practice. Here things are out there today:

Kovalchuk-White-Williams Kozlov-Christiansen-Armstrong Perrin-Reasoner-Little-Sterling (yes, I know you can’t play four forwards at once, but they all have to practice) Boulton-Slater-Thorburn

I won’t re-state the defensive pairings. You guys know those, right?

As for the question about Pavelec, I think he’ll report. He doesn’t have other good options.

By Smoothie

October 9, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Mike — are you trying to be cute because things are still up in the air with respect to the D pairings? C’mon, what’s the scoop? Have Enstrom & Havelid been split up?

By Mike Knobler

October 9, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Smoothie No, wasn’t being cute. Was taking it for granted you guys knew the pairings. Sorry.

Enstrom-Havelid Schneider-Bogosian Hainsey-Exelby Oystrick

By Smoothie

October 9, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Thanks Mike. I’m a little perplexed because I don’t understand why you sign a guy to a $4.5 M / yr contract to play third pairing minutes with Exelby. Now perhaps I’ll be correct in my assertion of an even distribution, but I wonder how Hainsey feels about playing with a someone who isn’t quite on par with his skill-set. Hopefully it won’t hurt his potential as an “offensive” defenseman.

I reckon this will be a fluid situation that evolves over time though. I know you can’t put a price tag on chemistry and therefore the coaches have decided to leave the Swedes together.

Mike, do you have any insight as to the 2 PP line composition? Who’s “first” team and who’s “second” w/r/t the Defense?

By Sara

October 9, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Smoothie I don’t think they signed Hainsey to be third pairing. The thing that pushed him down the depth chart was the pick-up of Schneider, which was a total unforeseen circumstance. I imagine they project him as Havelid’s replacement as Enstrom’s partner. For a while those two would then be top pair until Bogosian and perhaps Kulda developed enough to replace them. That’s how I would be looking at it currently anyway.